The annual Ray White and SPCA charity golf tournament is back for its sixth year, with 100-plus golfers from around the Bay and beyond coming to play at the Ōhope Beach golf links on March 13.

Over the past five years, the charity golf tournament has raised over $65,000 for the Whakatāne SPCA.

SPCA manager Rowena Parfitt said these donations had been used to improve the quality of enclosures and to help the SPCA provide animals with the best care possible.

This year, the funds raised will go towards a new concrete outline under the fence, so the dogs cannot dig out and escape.

The centre is also planning to use some of the money to improve its cat quarantine area by installing new Perspex cages to minimise disease transfer, and to install extra cupboards.

The golf tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 10am, with teams teeing off simultaneously but at different holes around the course.

Two teams of three players will be at each hole, making for a faster competition.

A barbecue will be run by the SPCA on number 10 hole.

The SPCA has donated dog and cat raffles containing pet food, toys and treats.

There will also be a raffle for a full set of women’s golf clubs and bag, donated by the club.

More than 40 sponsors have donated prizes and auction items, as well as the meals that all the golfers can enjoy when they finish their round.

Sponsors include Te Arai Links Golf Club, Kauri Cliffs Golf Club, Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary Golf Club, Millbrook Resort, Ōhope Pharmacy, Mitre 10, Tui Party Hire, Renshaw Jewellers, Sparkle & Shine, and Pippa’s Pet Services.

The tournament is expected to end at around 3pm, and then the course will be opened to the public for an evening round of golf.

The auction starts at 3.30pm, with anyone able to bid. Auction items include a round of golf at Millbrook, which hosted the last New Zealand Open, a round for four at Te Arai Links worth $2000, luxury getaways, animal art and home catering.

All the money raised will go to the SPCA.

Whakatāne SPCA and the Ōhope Beach Golf Links are excited about the event and invite the public to come along to watch some golf, pet some puppies and participate in the auction.